Henry C. Kinley

A reader is asking for more information about a cult-like religion known as the Institute for Divine Metaphysical Research.

According to the Christian Research Institute (CRI), the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research (IDMR) is a non-Christian religion that rejects many of the teachings of the Bible while professing a false God and a different Jesus.

It was founded by Henry C. Kinley (1896-1976), heralded as a great healer and brilliant man by his followers who they believe was specially chosen to be a manifestation of God himself. In 1931, Kinley receive what the website describes as a "panoramic vision and revelation" from Yahweh (the only correct name for God).

"Yahweh revealed to Dr. Kinley that the physical universe is on the brink of inevitable cataclysm, but that a way of safety is provided for those who will accept it. Yahweh instructed Dr. Kinley to reveal to all who would listen how they can obtain peace and avoid eternal suffering. . . .  The most irrefutable proof that Yahweh has chosen to work through Dr. Kinley is in this teaching, which encompasses the Key of Knowledge, and opens the door to ALL understanding!"

Some of these teachings include claims that the Bible has not been perfectly preserved and contains errors. It also claims that God is known only by the name of Yahweh and his Son is Yashua, not Jesus. Followers are taught that the word "Lord" actually means "Baal" in Hebrew which makes us guilty of Baal-worship. Therefore, only those who address God by the "correct" names can be saved. They deny the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, the need for baptism and the bodily resurrection of Jesus.

"Finally, the fundamental error of the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research is that they teach a pantheistic view of God — that is, that God is everything, for we are God," the CRI writes.

"However, the Bible flatly contradicts this teaching. 'God is not a man' (Num. 23:19); the Egyptians are men, and not God (Isa. 31:3) — men simply are not God! The fact is that God is not everything since He made everything (Gen. 1:1; John 1:3; Gal. 1:16; Heb. 11:3; etc.)."

You cannot be what you make, the CRI continues. "A carpenter is not his bench, nor is the writer his book; and the Creator is not His creation. Of course, all of creation is in the Creator’s presence, but that does not mean He is merely an aspect of His creation (any more than a writer is merely an aspect of his book!). Yes, God is 'in' the world — just as a builder can be in his building — but he is not thereby a part of his building. That man can be his own god is the first lie ever believed in human beings (Gen. 3:5)."

Some persons who have left this religion say it operates like a cult although it is not officially classified as one.